Itachi lips quirked. "I am aware he's a brat." Well aware, though he usually got the best side of Sasuke when he chose to spend time with his little brother.

Itachi sighed. "What I want is assurance no one can give me. I don't want to rush Sasuke into anything he's not ready for, but holding him back when he is wouldn't be fair to him. You've grown up with him and seen a side of him I haven't seen, or that I can't see. What I want..." Itachi paused for a moment. "What I want is your opinion. Do you think he's ready?"